Ajax ice storm cleanup will go on all winter

Town expects it will be spring before job finished

Storm cleanup

Ron Pietroniro / Metroland

AJAX -- Dave Sinclair from Stewart Services cut through an elm tree that was severely damaged in the recent ice storm in December. The cleanup is underway across the Region as crews attempt to remove damaged trees. January 6, 2014.

AJAX -- Now, the cleanup begins and it could take awhile to get the job done.

Tim Field, supervisor of environmental services for Ajax, said the cleanup will take “at least to the late spring. We’ll try to get back to normal.”

The Town has developed a plan to deal with damage caused by the ice storm. Until Jan. 19, residents are asked to stack brush and branches neatly at the curb or boulevard in manageable size pieces. Bundling isn’t required.

Branches no bigger than 25 centimetres or 10 inches in diameter can be left at the curb. Anything bigger than that will have to be removed by a private contractor or taken to a Durham waste management facility.

There’s no limit on how much can be left at the curb during the collection period.

Residents should ensure brush and branches are kept clear of sidewalks, ditches and roads.

Collection will be done from Jan. 20 to 31. Weather permitting, crews will make their way around the community collecting materials.

Mr. Field gave a “really rough” estimate that about 700 trees were impacted by the storm.

“We’re starting an inventory this week. The good news is we do have an inventory,” he added.

A preliminary report will be presented to council’s general government committee on Jan. 23, which should include the cost to repair the damage and replace the trees.

“Once we do the inventory, we’ll have a better idea,” Mr. Field said.

Planting new trees will start in the spring and carry over to the fall if necessary, he noted, adding trees aren’t planted in the summer because it’s too hot.

“We’ll plant the right trees in the right place. Homeowners will have input on trees in the boulevard,” he said. “Our motto is ‘right tree, right place.’ We have a list they can pick from.”

Snowplows were out on Monday and Mr. Field said brush that was buried by the snow on Sunday will be frozen in place, making it harder to remove.

“The snow slows down the process. We’re getting to streets hit the hardest. Hazards are still be addressed as we speak,” Mr. Field said.

Durham Region is also offering special collection days during the weeks of Jan. 6 and 13.

Brush and debris should be placed in kraft paper yard waste bags or clearly labelled rigid open-topped reusable containers. Waste set out in plastic bags won’t be collected. Containers cannot weigh more than 20 kilograms or 44 pounds.

Items should be placed at the curb as per regular waste.

Larger branches must be taken to the transfer station for free disposal until Jan. 10 in Oshawa at 1640 Ritson Rd. N., north of Taunton Road, or in Brock Township, on Sideroad 17. Items can also be taken to the Millers Waste depot on Squires Beach Road in Pickering, but fees will be applied.